Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee, WI
In the heart of the city, a beautiful wilderness. Noted for it's birding and educational center, Havenwoods State Forest is Wisconsin's only urban state forest. At 237 acres, it includes an abundance of nature, and provides the opportunity for residents of the community to enjoy wildlife viewing, six miles of walking/hiking trails, limestone bicycle trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Snowshoes can even be borrowed at the Nature Center when open.
The Nature Center features seasonal displays, and a wildlife exhibit. They offer a species list of wildlife that can be found on site, a geocaching adventure booklet, Wisconsin Explorer book and many other publications. Visitors can also borrow binoculars, field guides, GPS units, and other exploring tools for use while at the forest. Field Trips and classes, many events, and educational programs are offered throughout the year.
Near the nature center are both a native plant/pollinator garden, and an arboretum. A wide selection of native plants included.
A special 2.3 mile walking trail is also available for pets (the orange trail). The orange trail passes by tallgrass prairie, through hardwood forest, and over the Lincoln Creek footbridge.
The forest was initially recognized as Wisconsin's first urban state forest in 1980. Prior to this momentous event, history details that the land was once the home of the County House of Correction in the early 20th century. Following that, it was a U.S. Army base, and then housed prisoners-of-war during WWII. Notably, the field on the north central side of the property once was a Nike anti-aircraft missile base. One of a few that existed in Wisconsin. During the 1960's and 1970's the property sat empty, until local community members started a movement to develop the land into green space that would serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, and residents as well.
Thanks to the vision of the local community, we can enjoy the beauty and peace of this natural space today. And, hopefully, for generations to come.
Location: 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, visit the Friends of Haven Woods, and Wisconsin DNR. Get a Trail Map here.
The Nature Center features seasonal displays, and a wildlife exhibit. They offer a species list of wildlife that can be found on site, a geocaching adventure booklet, Wisconsin Explorer book and many other publications. Visitors can also borrow binoculars, field guides, GPS units, and other exploring tools for use while at the forest. Field Trips and classes, many events, and educational programs are offered throughout the year.
Near the nature center are both a native plant/pollinator garden, and an arboretum. A wide selection of native plants included.
A special 2.3 mile walking trail is also available for pets (the orange trail). The orange trail passes by tallgrass prairie, through hardwood forest, and over the Lincoln Creek footbridge.
The forest was initially recognized as Wisconsin's first urban state forest in 1980. Prior to this momentous event, history details that the land was once the home of the County House of Correction in the early 20th century. Following that, it was a U.S. Army base, and then housed prisoners-of-war during WWII. Notably, the field on the north central side of the property once was a Nike anti-aircraft missile base. One of a few that existed in Wisconsin. During the 1960's and 1970's the property sat empty, until local community members started a movement to develop the land into green space that would serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, and residents as well.
Thanks to the vision of the local community, we can enjoy the beauty and peace of this natural space today. And, hopefully, for generations to come.
Location: 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, visit the Friends of Haven Woods, and Wisconsin DNR. Get a Trail Map here.
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